What's the Criteria?

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In crowning the top 100 players of the year, we take into account all games from January 1, 2013 to December 15, 2013. It's the true calendar year, spanning the tail end of last season and the first half of this one.

There's a also a minimum appearance trigger of 30, meaning any player who's made less than that number cannot be considered and is therefore absent.

If you're wondering why Ilkay Gudogan or Giuseppe Rossi aren't among our top 100, it's because injuries stopped them entering the conversation.

All domestic league and UEFA Champions League/Europa League games were considered in grading the players, along with any major international games where possible.

Notable Omissions

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Ilkay Gundogan, Borussia Dortmund

He's been battling a spinal injury since the beginning of the season and, after scoring in a Champions League final and putting in a man-of-the-match showing vs. Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup, he's come back down to earth.

Projected position: 11-20

Lukasz Piszczek, Borussia Dortmund

He underwent surgery in the summer and has only just returned, but he's making substitute appearances rather than starts. Another we don't feel comfortable giving a verdict on.

Projected position: 31-40

Giuseppe Rossi, Fiorentina

Missed almost the entirety of the 2012-13 season due to yet another cruel injury but has come back with a bang. Unfortunately ruled out for failing to hit the appearance trigger.

Projected position: 51-60

Mario Gomez, Fiorentina

Barely played at Bayern Munich due to the presence of Mario Mandzukic, then moved to Fiorentina and picked up a rather nasty injury.

Projected position: 61-70

Vincent Kompany, Manchester City

Has missed so many games he doesn't even qualify for the list, which must be a concern for Manchester City. On his day, one of the best defenders in the world.

99. Dede, Cruzeiro

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Position: Centre-back

Score: 76.6

Dede signed for Cruzeiro from Vasco da Gama early in 2013, despite offers from Europe, and played a key part in A Raposa’s excellent defensive displays, as they conceded just 37 goals in the Brasileirao, second only to Gremio, on their way to winning the title.

Such was his form for the club, Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari called up the 25-year-old to the Selecao and Dede obliged by scoring his first goal for the national side with a bullet header against Zambia in October.

Dede has a massive frame, boasts impressive physical strength and stands an aerial titan in defence. He's done extremely well to recover.

98. Jackson Martinez, FC Porto

FC Porto may be struggling this season, but Jackson Martinez is still in scintillating individual form.

He's the prototypical target man suited to the modern game and, despite doubts surrounding him as he came out of South America, he's settled into the European game with ease.

He boasts great physical size and strength, an ability to hold the ball and a keen sense for a pass in the final third. He's deadly with his head and decent with his feet, making him a menace in any situation—except maybe this one.

97. Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid

He left the club for Bayer Leverkusen for €5 million at the start of the 2012-13 season but performed so well in the Bundesliga that los Blancos opted to take him back 12 months later and start him ahead of Alvaro Arbeloa.

For the Werkself, his remarkable link-up abilities, composure on the ball and marauding runs were a real highlight, and he's now come in to play a major role under Carlo Ancelotti.

95. Axel Witsel, Zenit St. Petersburg

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Position: Anchor defensive midfielder

Score: 77.4

Behind only Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel is Marc Wilmots' second most integral player when it comes to picking the Belgian starting XI.

That's a product of the hard work the midfielder has done in asserting his skill and value following his blockbuster move to Zenit St. Petersburg and, at 24, he represents one of the finest young anchors in world football.

He boasts great physical strength and firmness in the tackle, really shackles playmakers and strikes fear into opposing midfielders.

94. Victor Valdes, Barcelona

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Position: Sweeper 'Keeper

Score: 77.5

Consider the jury still well and truly still out on Victor Valdes—despite him making more than 350 appearances for Barcelona's first team.

He is possibly one of the most divisive players on the planet: For every person who adores his sweeping ability, there's another who bemoans his lack of positional awareness in claiming crosses or feeling for his near post.

For us, he's somewhere in the middle of the two extremes and scored rather well on his anticipation and footwork.

93. Jack Wilshere, Arsenal

Jack Wilshere's been knocked off his perch a little due to the rise of one of his colleagues, but he's still put together the most impressive year of football in his short career to date.

He ended last season in fine fettle, and it's remarkable how much progress he's made in an injury-free patch. He's the prototypical box-to-box presence and his comfort on the ball running forward is a positive for England to harness and build on in the years to come.

He's still learning when and where to do his riskier work, but he scored highly for physical attributes, dribbling, passing and shooting.

92. Ronaldinho, Atletico Mineiro

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Position: No. 10

Score: 78

2013 was a mixed year for Atletico Mineiro’s Ronaldinho. While a Brasileirao title challenge failed to materialise, the former Barcelona star did lead the Galo to Copa Libertadores glory after a stunning comeback in the final against Paraguay’s Olimpia.

Alternating between playing on the left flank and as a No .10, Ronaldinho combined spectacularly with Bernard, now at Shakhtar Donetsk, to provide service to in-form striker Jo.

He also chimed in with a few of his own—notably this spectacular chip against Arsenal de Sarandi—by utilising his age-old, famed skill set of sublime technique, quick feet and deadly accuracy.

87. Selcuk Inan, Galatasaray

Galatasaray's heavy (and unlucky) losses to Real Madrid in 2013 have masked how strong the team really are.

Selcuk Inan is the signal controller of the Turkish giants’ midfield, leads the side, sets the tone and keeps them ticking over with high-percentage passes.

He’s quietly become as reliable on the ball as the likes of Xavi but is largely ignored outside of his own country. For Gala that means few are interested in poaching him and that can only be a positive for Roberto Mancini.

82. Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham Hotspur

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Position: Surging centre-back

Score: 79.6

Much of the Tottenham Hotspur crew have suffered during the 2013-14 season, but Jan Vertonghen has been one of the few bright spots. Add that to his stellar 2012-13 campaign and that's a recipe for a successful calendar year.

Spurs are really missing the Belgian right now, as their previously impregnable defence has started shipping goals due to a suspect defensive selection.

Vertonghen's ability to play centre-back or left-back makes him indispensable, and he's the prototypical surging defender who is capable of breaking games with passes and dribbles.

81. Juan Mata, Chelsea

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Position: No. 10

Score: 79.8

The parties celebrating Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge were cut short when it became clear Juan Mata wasn't his favourite player.

We graded the Chelsea playmaker our No. 1 overall player coming into the new Premier League season, such was his impact across the 2012-13 campaign, but either Mou wants him extensively rested or he just doesn't see him as his future go-to guy.

As a result, Mata's stock in our rankings takes a real hit. Had he been allowed to replicate his triumphs last season, he'd be troubling the top 20 but, as it stands, his creativity, vision and magnificent passing range can only take him so far.

79. Romelu Lukaku, Everton

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Position: Target man

Score: 80.3

Romelu Lukaku is proving why it was so important for him to get out on loan this season, and while Chelsea fans are ruing the decision right now, they are set to welcome back a phenomenal striker next year.

78. Fernandinho, Manchester City

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Position: Anchor defensive midfielder

Score: 80.5

Fernandinho has had a super year, performing with consistent brilliance for both Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City.

In Ukraine, he was a cult hero, leader of the Brazilian contingent in the dressing room and a regular on the scoresheet. In Manchester, he's a reserved character, charged with protecting the defence in the wake of Yaya Toure's storming forward runs.

He excels at both roles and doesn't actively search for the limelight; he just does his job and Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted with him so far.

74. Joao Moutinho, Monaco

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Position: Central midfielder

Score: 81

Joao Moutinho combines many traditional elements of the traditional central midfielder's role—an art very much lost to the game right now given the obsession with defining midfielders as "offensive" or "defensive."

He has quietly put together one of the most complete skill sets in Europe, and in acquiring his services this summer, Monaco have been able to utilise them to great effect.

He's actually playing a little further forward than he's accustomed to in Ligue 1—it's a very defensive league, so he's wasted in deeper areas—but excels in providing good energy, hard running, attacking guile and defensive effort.

72. Arda Turan, Atletico Madrid

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Position: Inverted winger

Score: 81.4

Arda Turan's rise over the course of 2013 has been astounding and, in many ways, he epitomises everything good about Atletico Madrid.

He's grown with the club and blossomed into a world-class terror. In 2012 he was a shadow of the player he is today, transforming from a safe and inconsistent outlet to a dagger in opposing managers' sides.

His direct running with the ball at his feet, aggressive dribbling and confidence in forcing the issue impressed when assessing him. He is Diego Simeone's No. 2 threat behind the mercurial Diego Costa.

69. Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain

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Position: Centre-back

Score: 81.8

Marquinhos, at 19 years of age, has already cost a cumulative €36 million.

He arrived at Roma last season from Corinthians after just a handful of senior appearances, and while Zdenek Zeman made a lot of mistakes during his second tenure at the club, he did have the sense to start this Brazilian early and often.

Over the course of 2013, he's made huge strides and in moving to Paris Saint-Germain has shouldered the responsibility of being the fifth most expensive defender in history.

His instincts are superb, he transitions to wide areas expertly and holds his position well. Bulk up a little, without losing speed, and he'll be as imposing as he is technical.

67. Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund

It's been a chequered year for Mats Hummels, who's battled increasing doubters, lapses in concentration and a succession of injuries throughout 2013.

At one stage he was regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in world football thanks to his strength, size and ball-playing skills that initiate attacks. Now some are wondering if he's even in the top 10 in his position.

He's fantastic on the ground but suspect in the air, can put together 89 minutes of excellence but let one ball roll and concede a fatal goal. In short, he's frustrating and extremely difficult to gauge.

66. James Rodriguez, Monaco

The pressure was on following a big-money move from FC Porto to Monaco, but he's already secured himself two goals and seven assists to prove he can handle the adulation and extra attention.

His agility, top-end speed and goalscoring threat make him a problem for defences moving inside or out, and after starting his career as a No. 10, he's naturally adept at taking the ball into the central zones.

At 22, he's already the spark for Colombia's high-powered national team, signalling some future in the game for him.

63. Isco, Real Madrid

Isco excelled for Malaga at the beginning of 2013 and, after ripping teams to shreds at the U21 European Championships in Israel this summer, transferred to Real Madrid for a cool €30 million.

His talent is obvious, undeniable; his agility in tight spaces, outrageous first touch and sublime technique wow spectators on a weekly basis, and despite being just 21 years of age has truly accepted the mantle a Blancos playmaker must take up.

He can play a little deeper in a 4-3-3 or in the hole/out wide in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He graded out highest for his vision and creativity in our metric.

62. Carlos Vela, Real Sociedad

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Position: Deep-lying forward

Score: 82.8

Carlos Vela has finally found a settled platform for him to grow and excel on in the Basque country—so much so that he hopes Arsenal don't activate his buy-back clause any time soon, as per the Daily Mail.

His driving runs and darts into space have become a big feature in la Real's play now, and coach Jagoba Arrasate has wisely built a team around the Mexican forward.

He may be lacking in size, but the fast-paced attack he's been placed in brings out all of his strengths.

61. Lars Bender, Bayer Leverkusen

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Position: Box-to-box midfielder

Score: 83

Arsenal had the right idea in showing interest in Lars Bender this summer (via the Daily Mail), and while the Gunners may have outgrown the German thanks to Aaron Ramsey's dominance, most other Premier League clubs should be taking notes.

If he can add goals to his game, he becomes the complete midfielder, and even without a scoring threat, he offers energy, leadership, defensive nous and tactical awareness.

He can break forward and move vertically with the ball, challenge aerially and reshape a team. The state Bayer Leverkusen can find themselves in when Bender is missing is astonishing.

60. Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona

Cesc Fabregas is having one hell of a 2013-14 season so far, but the focus will fall on whether or not he maintains this level for the second half.

He started the last campaign in scintillating form but dropped off alarmingly, and while injuries played a part, a one-month leg ailment cannot account for five months of disappointment.

His passing range is looking exceptional in Gerardo Martino's vertical system and many of Lionel Messi's goals under the new regime have come from clever 20-yard-plus balls through the centre from Cesc.

He's serviceable when filling in up front, but he's at his very best when playing the hybrid CM/AMC role. More of the same, Cesc!

58. Juan Cuadrado, Fiorentina

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Position: Traditional winger

Score: 83.3

There are few more terrifying sights than that of Juan Guillermo Cuadrado tearing towards you with the ball at his feet. His speed, close control and weaving dribbling ability make him an absolute nightmare in open space.

Vincenzo Montella has moved him around to great effect, and while we've graded him as a winger (because that's where's playing now), he plays his best football as a wing-back galloping into space.

The only way to stop him is to limit his space—even then, he's still supremely dangerous.

57. Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos is a red card threat in every game he plays, but that shouldn't detract from the fact he is a world-class defender who remains one of the most versatile in the game.

He’s played so many roles and boasts such all-round talent, he might well be able to play in any position—be it right-back or centre-forward—and excel, combining composure, technique, poise and dedication.

He’s been by far the most consistent Blancos centre-back over the course of the year (though none have been immense), and what impressed us the most was his aerial prowess (spring), aggression and leadership skills in the line.

56. Jakub Blaszczykowski, Borussia Dortmund

For a more "traditional" looking winger to reach the top of the modern game, there's a certain set of extra requirements they now need to reach.

Ultimately, if you can't cut in and shoot on goal, a large portion of managers aren't interested in utilising you, but Jakub Blaszczykowski combines speed, work-rate and strong short passing with the regular elements of his game.

Juergen Klopp created a Polish connection between Blaszczykowski and Lukasz Piszczek, and their dove-tailing on the right for Borussia Dortmund is a special sight in full flow.

"Kuba" has an excellent cross, good top-end speed and puts the hard yards in.

53. Daniele De Rossi, Roma

Daniele De Rossi has been a key figure in a still-unbeaten Roma side this year with 16 appearances under his belt in Serie A.

He was dropped in late 2012 but brought back into the fold at the beginning of the calendar year and has rejected multiple moves abroad to stay with his beloved Giallorossi.

They're reaping the benefits of his loyalty and, since returning, he has settled back into his usual commanding, destructive role; he's the midfield general everyone craves, capable of breaking up attacks and passing majestically in the same motion.

52. Robin Van Persie, Manchester United

Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United was a risk for both parties, but it's paid off handsomely to the tune of a Premier League title.

He's largely shunned the injury tag that's haunted him for so long (despite finishing the year with an ailment) and struck an immediate partnership with Wayne Rooney.

He and the England international began dovetailing, interchanging and swapping to great effect, which in turn brought RvP's best attributes—his clever movement and ability to finish from any angle—to the fore.

The Dutchman's clever stance on the game will ensure he remains at the top level for several more years to come.

51. Carlos Martinez, Real Soceidad

It's very possible that Carlos Martinez has been La Liga's best right-back over the last 12 months.

He stepped up time and time again for Real Sociedad in the race for a Champions League spot last season and often made the club's suspect defence look a lot better than it was.

He combines strong discipline with great reading of the game and a well-rounded physical skill set. La Real started the new campaign slowly but have picked up significantly in recent weeks, and it should come as no surprise to see Martinez performing out of skin to close out 2013.

50. Per Mertesacker, Arsenal

Per Mertesacker was the subject of a deadline-day panic spree from Arsene Wenger several years ago but, in time, the transfer has more than paid dividends.

Laurent Koscielny draws much of the attention thanks to his all-action displays, but he partners a German anchor whose leadership and positional skills allow him to go searching for the ball.

Mertesacker is probably the slowest player in our top 100, but he's so clever that he makes up for his physical flaws. He's landed the perfect partner in Koscielny and their games bring the best out in each other.

48. Mehdi Benatia, Roma

Mehdi Benatia has shot to prominence as the leader of a stellar Roma defensive line, but in truth he's been consistently excellent for years now.

At the Olimpico, he is already beloved, filling in for former golden boy Marquinhos and bringing some stability and command to Rudi Garcia's defence.

His reading of the game is exceptional, allowing him to snuff out attacks early on and turn them into counter-attacks. He's been the staple in a Giallorossi defence that has conceded just seven goals this season.

45. Diego Godin, Atletico Madrid

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Position: Centre-back

Score: 85.2

As confirmed by UEFA, Diego Godin signed a new contract to extend his stay at Atletico Madrid until 2018 in November. For Diego Simeone and for fans of the proud capital club, that's music to the ears.

Godin has settled in and become a leader in a well-organised, disciplined back four that concede very few goals. Partnering up with Miranda, he's been excellent and their solidity is a big factor in the full-backs bombing forward in such consistent, attacking fashion.

Godin takes no prisoners and tackles firmly but also boasts tactical nous to see him through against the roughest and toughest of opponents.

44. Thibaut Courtois, Atletico Madrid

Thibaut Courtois' rapid progression has caught most by surprise—and left Chelsea in a very uncomfortable position.

Stick with tried-and-trusted Petr Cech and risk upsetting the Belgian shot-stopper or make the switch this summer when he returns from his third successive loan spell at Atletico Madrid?

In some ways Courtois still has a lot to learn and it's a risk because he does get by with the help of his ridiculous spread-eagled frame. But his reflexes are fantastic and he's comfortable claiming crosses, so all the tangible skills are catching up.

40. Alessio Cerci, Torino

Alessio Cerci: Ever the reliable outlet for Torino in 2013 yet often (cruelly) left out of the conversation regarding Serie A's top players of the year.

He's been tried in an assortment of positions, but he's at his best when playing off a big striker (Ciro Immobile) that allows him to drop into pockets of space and get his foot on the ball.

He's bagged nine goals and seven assists already this season, with most coming from that free role up front. Playing him as a prima punta or a wide man just doesn't do his skill set, or ability to influence games, justice.

39. Filipe Luis, Atletico Madrid

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Position: Full-back

Score: 85.6

Filipe Luis, at 28 years of age, has officially turned the corner and become a world-class full-back.

If it weren't for Marcelo's near-telepathic connection with Neymar, he'd be waltzing to a starting berth for Brazil, but right now he has to make do with a bench role, despite having a better all-round game.

Filipe originally made his name as a flamboyant left-back capable of storming the wings and adding quality to the final third. Now, with time, he's completed his skill-set and subscribes to Diego Simeone's solid outlook at Atletico Madrid.

38. Francesco Totti, Roma

Some of you may have noticed, some of you haven't, but Francesco Totti is still a key cog in a Roma machine turning some heads this season.

The Giallorossi were all over the place at the start of the 2012-13 season—Zdenek Zeman produced a number of strange decisions that included exiling Daniele De Rossi—but Aurelio Andreazzoli restored them to their free-flowing best.

It was there that Totti began to look world-class again, even at 37 years of age, and he's carried that form into the new season, only to be halted by a hamstring injury.

Movement, link-up, creativity, vision, technique and finishing: His full complement of skills mask his lack of physical ability.

36. Marek Hamsik, Napoli

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Position: No. 10

Score: 86

Whether it's Walter Mazzarri or Rafa Benitez, Marek Hamsik is the gift that just keeps on giving.

He's a goal machine, pure and simple, and has been since he broke into the Partenopei first team in 2007. His repertoire from range is astounding, capable of hitting grass-cutters and bullets from anywhere within 30 yards.

In space he's a real playmaker and wows the crowd with his technique, but when things get tight, he can struggle to make an impact; that's where we marked him down.

35. Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal

Aaron Ramsey is capping off the finest calendar year of his young career to date by a large margin, and it's great to see such a precocious talent find his feet after an injury-fuelled nightmare.

Ramsey has been playing superbly since January 2013—his form did not pick up this season as many would believe—and deserves a top-40 ranking in our list.

He was unleashed in his natural box-to-box role in February by Arsene Wenger, and his relocation to a favoured (central) position directly coincided with an incredible run of form from the Gunners that hasn't really halted.

34. Javi Martinez, Bayern Munich

His attitude was spot on, able to ignore the pressures of a Bundesliga-record €40 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao and play his best football from an early standpoint.

He got progressively better, and more monstrous, as the season went on, and many will remember the incredible, game-changing job he did in nullifying Andres Iniesta during Bayern Munich's crushing 7-0 aggregate win over Barcelona.

Under Pep Guardiola, he's struggled to find himself a role, cameoing at centre-back in preseason and even as a No. 10 in the Bundesliga. With increased competition and injury issues, Martinez has found it tough going, but he remains a premier defensive midfielder in world football.

32. Mario Mandzukic, Bayern Munich

It takes a special kind of striker to displace goal-machine Mario Gomez, but Mario Mandzukic took advantage of the German's injury troubles and made himself indispensable.

He's a hulking target man, dominant in the air and incredibly accurate in heading the ball; he gives die Bayern an added element in attack—when pretty football fails, "Mandzu" is always there to take a longer pass and distribute with ease.

His understanding of midfield runners is also extremely impressive, and his partnership with Thomas Mueller in particular (last season) should be taped and shown to aspiring footballers.

His ranking takes a hit as, since Pep Guardiola took the reins, he's not been an automatic selection and doesn't look 100 percent happy.

30. Borja Valero, Fiorentina

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Position: Deep-lying playmaker

Score: 86.8

Borja Valero has had an absolutely magnificent year.

Despite Vincenzo Montella's many changes to his formation and personnel over the past 12 months at Fiorentina, Valero has provided a consistent, elite outlet of creativity, passing excellence and goalscoring threat.

He's so cool on the ball, it's insane and many are calling for him to be inducted into the Spain squad to inject some fluidity and freshness into a set-up going stale.

He never loses it, always provides an option and can open up the defences in the blink of an eye. He is fully deserving of this lofty rank.

27. Edinson Cavani, Paris Saint-Germain

Edinson Cavani was the subject of much interest this summer, but Paris Saint-Germain won the race and signed him for a whopping €64 million.

Pairing him with Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a delight for the capital club, and Laurent Blanc has figured out a way to play both of his star strikers and receive production from each.

Cavani has settled into a wide forward's role—although we've graded him as a target man in order to give him the highest possible score—and while some were surprised he could settle there, he's used to the role from his Serie A days.

Walter Mazzarri, then-manager of Napoli, would move him wide with frequency mid-game as he switched formations. He's repaid PSG with 14 goals from 16 starts and there's plenty more to come.

26. Neymar, Barcelona

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Position: Wide forward

Score: 87.4

There are few players in world football who come under more scrutiny than Neymar, but that's the career you live out when you're a €55 million man charged with leading your country to impending World Cup glory.

So far he's done a fine job of relieving Lionel Messi in this Barcelona attack, and while he's capable of playing as a centre-forward, we're grading him as a wide forward to optimise his score.

His agility in tight spaces, eye for goal and immense dribbling skills have been on show on a weekly basis in Europe now, and trust us when we say he was the doing the same things for Santos in the Brasileiro Serie A at the start of the year.

25. David Alaba, Bayern Munich

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Position: Full-back

Score: 87.6

Over the course of 2013, David Alaba has established himself as the world's best left-back.

At the age of just 21, he's developed all the necessary skills to excel in the position, despite training as a natural central midfielder. There are few able to match his physicality and he's an absolute machine with the ball at his feet.

His excellent crossing ability stems from the original passing range he developed as a youngster playing in the centre, and his ability to link with Franck Ribery makes them near-impossible to stop.

24. Gareth Bale, Real Madrid

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Position: Wide forward

Score: 87.6

In 2013, Gareth Bale really came alive for Tottenham Hotspur. It was his post-Christmas form, yielding an incredible 17 goals in all competitions, that convinced Real Madrid to shell out a world-record fee for him.

After a rocky first two games at the Bernabeu, he adapted seamlessly and his record currently stands at nine goals from 11 starts in a Blancos shirt.

He's typically playing opposite Cristiano Ronaldo as a wide forward, and his searing pace, rasping long shot and free-kick prowess tick all the boxes with the crowd.

Combine that with high-level decision-making and raw athletic ability, and you've got a match made in heaven.

23. Dante, Bayern Munich

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Position: Ball-playing centre-back

Score: 87.7

Dante is a true late bloomer.

The 2011-12 season with Borussia Moenchengladbach, when he was 29 years of age, was the first that really showcased his talents and Bayern Munich had no hesitations in snapping him up for a bargain €5 million.

Since then he's made huge strides forward, winning a historic treble in his first season and providing the one true consistent outlet at centre-back for Jupp Heynckes.

His anticipation and positioning, good size and prowess on the ball make him a complete defender.

22. Sergio Busquets, Barcelona

Sergio Busquets is one of the finest players in world football, but on the stats sheet, he doesn't even come close to an average La Liga guy such as Roberto Trashorras.

Why? Busquets spots danger and nullifies it without touching the ball, and if you're searching for the epitome of anticipation, positioning and, above all else, raw defensive instincts, this is the prototype.

Not only is he a monster in breaking up play, but his passing between the lines is becoming key to the way Barcelona are evolving as a team. He also has the height to challenge aerials and unlimited composure on the ball.

21. Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich

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Position: Sweeper 'Keeper

Score: 88.1

World football coaches and managers are now pointing at Manuel Neuer as the prototype for the modern goalkeeper to follow.

His ability stepping off his line, sweeping up behind the defence and claiming aerial balls to relieve pressure is unrivalled, and it breathes confidence into his side knowing he is so capable—even with the ball at his feet.

He's become a tactical tool, used against Barcelona to alleviate the pressing game Tito Vilanova employed in the Champions League last season, and his reflexes top the charts.

20. Andres Iniesta, Barcelona

Barcelona may not have convinced everyone so far this season under Gerardo Martino, but Andres Iniesta is having yet another superb season.

He appears ageless, timeless; teams have no reply to the way he glides between challenges and jinks his way through a tangling of desperate legs. His touch, technique, dribbling and agility are borderline unrivalled in the ranks of football.

He’s been as reliable ever, and after signing a new deal with la Blaugrana until 2018, clearly has no plans to slow down just yet.

19. Andrea Barzagli, Juventus

Want to know a little secret? Andrea Barzagli, a €400,000 pick-up from Wolfsburg, is the glue that holds one the world's best defences together.

The Italian reads the game like few others currently playing, and if it weren't for his tactical nous and immense foresight for danger, the struggles of Giorgio Chiellini—who hasn't had a great year and isn't in our top 100—would have been under the microscope.

He scored 90/100 in his anticipation and positional skill, carrying him to a strong position in the rankings.

18. Mesut Ozil, Arsenal

Mesut Ozil traded Spain for North London this summer, opting to leave Real Madrid following the arrival of Gareth Bale and become top dog elsewhere.

Cristiano Ronaldo bemoaned the departure of the German, suggesting Ozil had been his prime creator and possessed a deep understanding of his movements and runs.

It's high praise, but it's fully justified: Ozil is a wizard on the ball, and his manipulation of space, steady feet and incredible technique earned him a very high ranking here after another superb year's work.

The £42 million fee it took to bring him to Arsenal doesn't appear to have inhibited him, and he's already registered five goals and nine assists for his new team.

17. Toni Kroos, Bayern Munich

Toni Kroos is adored by Bayern Munich fans but often doesn't get the credit he deserves from the rest of the world.

He can hit a stinger from distance and does so with regularity at key moments, while he's also physical enough to drop a little deeper and pick up a flat CM position in a 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1.

His versatility is important for Pep Guardiola's system and Kroos appears to have won plenty of favour with his new coach, but what impressed us the most is his ability to engineer and find space outside the box.

13. Mario Goetze, Bayern Munich

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Position: No. 10

Score: 89.3

Mario Goetze has been one of 2013's biggest storylines.

Having built up a head of steam for Borussia Dortmund in the early part of the year, Bayern Munich decided to poach him for €37 million—right on the eve of the Champions League final between the two clubs.

He was unable to participate due to a hamstring tear, but BVB clearly missed him on the day; his silky skills, perfect passing and raw agility make him an ideal fit for the No. 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and his eye for goal improves with every month.

The man Dortmund fans now call "Judas" scored against them on his return to Signal Iduna Park in November.

10. Sergio Aguero, Manchester City

Sergio Aguero has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the new season, scoring 22 goals from 20 starts in Manuel Pellegrini's high-powered attack.

His ability to dip in and out of the forward line, play on the shoulder and link with his midfielders allowed him to score well on our metric, and his new-found heading ability makes him a better player than he was 12 months ago.

When he's all healed up from injury, he's primed to take 2014—and the World Cup—by storm.

8. Lionel Messi, Barcelona

Lionel Messi has had a down year, no doubt about it, but when he returns to full fitness he will challenge for the top spot again.

Injuries have slowed him down and limited his effectiveness at two key points in the year and, if anything, his importance has been severely underlined by his absence at times.

Barca were removed from the Champions League last season with ease while carrying an unfit Messi, and la Blaugrana's lead at the top of La Liga has slipped while soldiering on without him this time around.

His movement, link-up, technique, touch and finishing skills are elite. He will return as strong as ever soon enough.

7. Robert Lewandowski, Borussia Dortmund

Robert Lewandowski's exploits this season have been a game-changer for target strikers everywhere.

His all-round game is simply phenomenal, combining good size and strength in the air with quality movement and elite understanding of how midfield runners work.

He drops deep and wide with ease, creates pockets of space for midfielders to hit at pace and scores an obscene amount of goals to boot. There is no striker who had a better 2013 when it comes to linking play and manipulating space.

6. Arjen Robben, Bayern Munich

Arjen Robben has completed the most almighty of comebacks in 2013, going from a peripheral figure at Bayern Munich to a Champions League final goalscorer and winner.

He struggled with injuries at the start of the 2012-13 season and lost his place on a permanent basis to Thomas Mueller. After the Bundesliga resumed from its winter break and he was still sat on the bench, fears began to arise than the Dutchman's time in Bavaria was done.

But he came storming back following an injury to Toni Kroos and on his return against Juventus displayed every part of his game that makes him so valuable: searing pace, wonderful technique, great dribbling ability and an unstoppable long shot.

He's only gotten better, learning to change positions mid-move and passes more regularly. What a weapon.

4. Franck Ribery, Bayern Munich

Franck Ribery's year has been so impressive there are cast-iron arguments in favour of him winning the Ballon d'Or.

It's a testament to the improvements he's made over the last 18 months, while Jupp Heynckes' work with him in particular has allowed him to trouble the upper echelons of the footballing conversation.

He's an attacking dynamo; fast as you like, lethal cutting inside to shoot and capable of dancing his way to the byline. But he's also learned the other side of the game and now combines with David Alaba superbly in addition to tracking back and helping.

It would have been unthinkable at one stage, but Ribery is one of the most improved players on the planet.

3. Luis Suarez, Liverpool

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Position: Deep-lying forward

Score: 90.9

In a way, it feels like Luis Suarez is trying to make up for lost time.

His biting ban at the tail-end of last season saw the Uruguayan enter the 2013-14 Premier League season late, but he's quickly risen to the top of the scoring charts after bagging an astonishing 19 goals in 12 games.

He was in fine fettle before his campaign ended early in April and has essentially picked up where he left off. Perhaps that impressive stint with his national team at the 2013 Confederations Cup was a factor.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Position: Wide forward

Score: 92.9

Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed a phenomenal 2013 calendar year. Whatever your thoughts on the "Who's better: Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?" debate, it's undeniable that the Portuguese has had the finest 12 months in football.

That he is still scoring more goals than he is playing games for Real Madrid (163 in 150) is just phenomenal, while his hat-trick in Solna to push Portugal into the 2014 FIFA World Cup was nothing short of marvelous.

He grabbed scores of 96/100 for finishing, dribbling and pace, placing him at the very top of the pile. A Ballon d'Or awaits.